Arsene Wenger has warned about the dangers of burn-out should Jack Wilshere play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship. Arsenal's 19-year-old midfielder wants to represent England in June, but his manager predicted that, after a busy season, he "will hit the wall at some stage", and that having played for the senior side, he does not need to return to the Under-21s.

Arsenal are optimistic that striker Robin van Persie, captain Cesc Fabregas and winger Theo Walcott could all be fit to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, a game the club must win if they are to sustain the pressure on Premier League leaders Manchester United.